Kidney patients reunited

[okarol]

Kidney patients reunited
Griffith Thomas | 17th May 2011
 
ROLAND Wallace first met Les Parker almost 21 years ago at the then fledgling Logan Hospital, which opened its doors the same year.

Not only were they both kidney patients, but they became roomies every time they underwent dialysis.

To pass the time they would keep each other entertained by sharing life stories.

“It was good to have someone around, you never wanted to be alone,” Mr Wallace said.

“Time would just fly.”

The pair became strong friends that year, but it's been two decades since they last spoke.

So when the two were reunited last Saturday, it's fair to say they had plenty of catching up to do.

Mr Wallace and Mr Parker were invited guests to the Logan Hospital's 21st birthday celebrations.

Mr Parker believed the hospital had come a long way since former Queensland Premier Wayne Goss opened the first stage on May 7, 1990.

“It's a lot bigger now,” the 70-year-old said.

“A lot has changed but I always liked coming here, the staff were always friendly.”

The milestone event coincided with the opening of the hospital's new $18.9 million Ambulatory Services Building.

The refurbished and redesigned building includes an expansion of renal dialysis facilities with an increase from nine to 18 chairs.

Mr Wallace, a Greenbank local, and Mr Parker, who resides at Wellington Point, have both had two kidney transplants and the pair know better than most the benefits of having such a facility available to patients.

Mr Wallace was glowing in his praise for the new building.

“It's very impressive and very modern inside,” he said.

“Having a facility a lot bigger than before means more patients from the local area have some where to come instead of having to go to the PA (Princess Alexander Hospital) or Southport for dialysis.”

The building also includes a Day Therapy Unit for cancer patients requiring short stay treatment.

http://www.thereporter.com.au/story/2011/05/17/kidney-patients-reunited/